The best heat bulb for tortoise enclosure is just as important as proper UVB and diet. Correct heating promotes healthy tissues, increases blood circulation and ensures proper digestion, which is why it is important to use a heat bulb to ensure proper temperatures in a Red footed tortoise enclosure.
For indoor enclosures, you want a basking place around 90-95°F with an ambient temperature between 80-85°F. The nighttime temperatures can dip lower, but maintain the temperatures at night above 70°F.
In order to achieve correct heating, purchase a good heat bulb. Tortoises absorb their heat from above. Plus, most heating pads can get too hot and can burn your tortoise’s belly.
Ceramic Heat Emitter Bulbs
Ceramic heat emitters (CHE) produce heat, but they do not emit any light. When using CHE’s in an inside enclosure, you will need an additional source for UV and lighting. The benefit to using a ceramic heat emitter is that it can be your day and night source of heat. They also tend to have good lifespans.
CHE’s increase the ambient air temperature and can provide a good basking temperature. Keep ceramic heat emitting bulbs at least 12-inches away from the top of the red foot tortoise’s shell. Too hot for extended periods of time, the bulb will burn the shell.
Common watts include 60W, 75W and 100W bulbs. Use a thermostat to ensure the proper temperatures for your Russian tortoise enclosure or house. Double check the temperature with a temperature gun.
Flood Bulbs for Tortoise Enclosure
Flood bulbs will product light and heat. On average, household incandescent flood bulbs can produce enough heat for indoor red footed tortoise enclosures. You will still need a UV source, like a UV tube.
Mercury Vapor Heat Bulbs
Mercury vapor bulbs, like ZooMed PowerSun, ExoTerra Solar Glo and Mega-Ray, provide UVA, UVB, light and heat in one bulb. These reptile heat bulbs are popular and are considered one of the best heat bulb for tortoise enclosures.
When using a mercury vapor bulb, check the UV emissions regularly. The biggest issue with this type of bulb is that the UV output can reduce quickly. The bulb may still produce plenty of light, but over time, the UV output will reduce.
It is recommended that the bulb be replaced every six months, but to monitor the UV output, regular check the UV emissions with a solar meter. Some people have found the UV fall below the recommended range within three months, whereas others experience a longer lifespan.
Best Heat Bulb for Tortoise Enclosure
Finding the best heat bulb for your red footed tortoise is an important decision because you do not want to buy new bulbs every time you turn around. However you want to ensure that the heat emitter you choose for your tortoise enclosure will emit proper heat to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your pet red foot tortoise.
It may be trial and error before you find what works for you and which wattage you need. Use a digital temperature gun to monitor and test the heat that your tortoise feels.
